Gordon LeRoy Forsythe, 88

Gordon LeRoy Forsythe, 88, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 27, 2016.

Gordon was born in Park Place, Ore., on Nov. 10, 1928. He was the son of LeRoy and Lucille Forsythe.

Gordon had a diverse background. With a degree as an electrical engineer, he worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, owned and operated a heavy equipment construction company, ranched, worked in the aerospace industry, managed a mine and was co-owner of The Coffee Mill Cafe in Sandpoint.

In 1976, Gordon and Clara Ann sold their home and joined a Christian organization, Youth with a Mission, where they attended school in Switzerland, traveled through the Middle East, and then continued in an administrative capacity with YWAM at the Sunland, Calif., base.

Gordon could always be counted on to fix a vehicle, work on the plumbing, oversee a building project, or be there for someone to talk to.

Gordon and his wife Clara Ann moved to Idaho in 1985 to join their daughter, Karen in the running of their cafe, The Coffee Mill, in Foster’s Crossing. Gordon loved working the counter at The Coffee Mill, where he made friendships that last until this day.

Some of Gordon’s hobbies included gardening, operating just about any kind of tractor, and working on cars. In his later years, he took up watercolor painting. His humility, kind and giving heart was experienced by many who were recipients of his fix-it skills. Gordon spent most of his life visiting the elderly and caring for their needs.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Clara Ann, and siblings, LeVane, and Jeanette. Gordon is survived by his daughters, Karen Forsythe and Susan Otis; grandchildren, Justin Otis, Curran (Emily) Otis and Landon (Danielle) Otis; great-grandchildren, Emily and Gabrielle Otis; and sister Charlene Weirsma.

Family and friends are invited to sign Gordon’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.